[pooh_ac]

Hi all!
Rrae asked that I start a new thread for those of you who have questions about these WONDERRFUL machines. I know some people have not had the results they want or need with these but for me I would not be here without them and yes it is a costly and painful procedure in its own right but I wound not have had them replaced when needed if they did not work.

[Rrae]

Thank You SO much for coming here!

I have several Q's but i don't want to 'bombard' you
There are so many people coming here asking about these units and there are several who've shared both good and not-so-good experiences..
and right now we do have several here who are struggling with their units......

When did you get your first SCS? Then, (I'm assuming ?) you've had them replaced because battery life ended and needed changed out?
Did you have any struggles at first as far as getting the right coverage and if so, did you have to go back for several 'tweek' sessions (reprogramming?).

I'm so glad to hear you are doing so well with yours!
I seem to be doing ok so far - just needing a little re-programming done I think. Mine is for neuropathy 'burning' pain in both legs (and i get coverage in lower back as well)

What pain issues does your SCS target?

My heart is really going out to the folks here who are having struggles with their units and I want so desperately to be encouraging, but I myself am pretty new as far as having my SCS.

If you have any input or encouragement to share with the frustrated folks here, it would be so great. Everybody's circumstances are different of course, but I bet you'd have some words of wisdom to throw out there!

When you got your new SCS's, did they put the IPG in same place each time?
How long did each of your batteries last?

It'll be great getting to know more about you!
SO GOOD to have you here!
Thanks again
Rae

[pooh_ac]

My 1st SCS was several years ago, my 1st battery lasted about 2 years (yes!). I tried to "tough it out" for a time but ended up having it replaced then about 2 years later I had an accident and pulled my leads loose in my spine. That one was replace with a rechargeable unit. This unit has been by far the best as it has more "reach" the leads have more electrodes at the ends which allows for more options with programing, I have RSD which is more in my left leg then the right but do have some coverage on the inner aspect of my right leg. It also covers some of my back but at this time it will not cover my siatic pain that I have, for that I get nerve blocks about every 3-4 months with good results. I also have a little more lattitude with my SCS then some as I am a nurse and it is 200 miles 1 way to my pain doc so he has left me with what I feel is a good sized range that I can adjust as I need. My battery is and has always been on my abdomen, although my doc tried to talk me into moving it to my buttock last time to reduce the risk of infection from needing to be turned in surgery. I think I will not be so lucky next time I need a replacement.
At first I had to have a lot of "tweaking" but as my doc has learned about me and I have learned about the machines it has taken less each time.
It took me YEARS to find this doc, actually years to get a diagnosis. He is beyond paranoid about infections and very meticolous about surgery followups. He also makes you sign narcotic agreements, makes it very clear that if you do not follow instructions he will fire you.
I truely believe if it was not for this machine I would not be able to function as good as I do, or even be here